5 Royal Castles Turned Into Luxurious Resorts Perfect For Winter Retreat In India

Built-in white marble, Lake Palace was constructed by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746, nestled in the heart of the City of Lakes- Taj Lake Palace is a regal retreat situated on an island in Lake Pichola. Winter brings a pleasant climate to Udaipur, making it an ideal time to explore the city's rich history and indulge in the luxury of this former royal palace. 

Situated in the historic city of Hampi, Kamalapura Palace is a cultural and architectural heritage site built more than 200 years ago, constructed between 1336 AD to 1565 AD. Evolve Back's Kamalapura Palace is a magnificent illustration of a place where luxury meets history.

This palace boasts Indo-Islamic architecture with stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways, and royal chambers. People can also indulge in a range of activities, including treks and trails in a soul-stirring landscape.

The capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri. The Oberoi Amarvilas stands just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love, it is easy to rekindle romance at The Oberoi Amarvilas. 

This luxurious resort offers exceptional views of the iconic monument, making it a perfect winter getaway. 

The royal palace was built back in the year 1835 and was reportedly made for Saffron Bardon, then queen's favourite maid of the time. It was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and a hunting lodge. The mansion was named Rambagh after Prince Sawai Man Singh II, grandson of the then-reigning Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, was bought back in the palace on his accession in 1922.

Winters bring pleasant weather, and surrounded by lush gardens, the palace exudes a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Ahilya Fort, in the central Indian town of Maheshwar, sits high above the sacred river Narmada. In the year 2000, Prince Richard Holkar, her descendant and son of the last Maharaja of Indore, converted his home in Ahilya Wada into a guest residence, today known around the world as the Ahilya Fort Hotel. 

This heritage hotel in Maheshwar showcases Maratha architecture and offers a serene escape. January provides an ideal climate to explore the fort, nearby temples, and the picturesque ghats along the river, immersing yourself in the cultural richness of central India.